Botanical name:

Asplenium scleroprium

Common name(s):

Southern shore spleenwort

About:

A stout, tufted fern characterised by its rhizomes, which can be found growing amongst the similar species A. obtusatum. This particular fern is sometimes confused with A. obtusatum due to their similarities, and it is noteworthy that hybridisation can occur between these two species under certain conditions.

Natural habitat:

Coastal. A species of exposed sites on rocky headlands, cliff faces and at the margins of coastal shrubland. Usually found growing with and amongst Asplenium obtusatum.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s South, Stewart, Chatham, Snares and Auckland Islands. In the South Island uncommon, known only from Bluff Hill and at Sandy point, Invercargill.

Height: Variable up to 1m

Flowering: N/A Spore producing

Fruiting: N/A

Uses:

Riparian plantings, Pioneer Plantings & Container friendly

How to grow:

Propagation by spore or division but generally rather slow.